November 9, 2024, Bangladesh: The United International University (UIU) inaugurated the first Solar Energy Lab equipped with Energy Storage Systems (ESS) in the country, marking a significant advancement in renewable energy training and research.
Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan emphasized the necessity of a smart grid to stabilize power supply amid changing electricity consumption patterns. He noted the government's push towards renewable sources, particularly solar and wind energy, alongside prioritizing battery storage systems.
The lab, funded by Huawei in collaboration with the Centre for Energy Research (CER) at UIU, aims to facilitate capacity-building activities and develop training courses tailored to the Bangladeshi market, incorporating the latest advancements in renewable energy technology and smart energy solutions.
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, highlighted the initiative as a milestone in the China-Bangladesh partnership, aiming to enhance local talent through Chinese investment. Huawei's Pan Junfeng reported that by the end of 2023, Huawei Digital Power had assisted in building over 600MW of digital power plants in Bangladesh, generating 437.5 million kWh of green energy and reducing carbon emissions by approximately 207,867 tons.
Shahriar Ahmed Chowdhury from CER noted that the renewable energy sector in Bangladesh is rapidly evolving, with projections indicating the creation of 3,000 to 4,000 new green jobs as solar energy becomes more cost-effective. In 2023, the country added a record 42MW of new rooftop solar capacity.
Despite this growth, Chowdhury stressed the need for hands-on training facilities to equip professionals and students with essential skills, positioning the new solar lab as a crucial resource for practical knowledge in the renewable energy sector.